Srinagar- In an emotional reunion, a man from Rajouri’s Thanamandi area has returned home after 26 years, having gone missing as a 14-year-old schoolboy, bringing immense joy to his family.

Raja, a resident of Behrote village, was studying in Class 9 when he went missing. Recalling the incident, he said he had accompanied his brother in a vehicle to Mumbai, where he subsequently lost contact with his family.

For 26 years, his family searched for him at various places but failed to trace him. His parents, however, never gave up hope of finding their son.

The breakthrough came after a YouTuber’s video featuring Raja went viral on social media. His family members recognised him in the video and immediately contacted the concerned persons.

Raja was subsequently brought back to his native village, where emotional scenes unfolded as his family members embraced him with tears of joy.

The family said they were overwhelmed with happiness to have Raja back after more than two decades and expressed gratitude to the YouTuber whose video helped make the reunion possible.

Locals also visited the family’s home to meet Raja and congratulate his family on his return. (With GNS inputs)